Brutal Murder of Disabled Man Caught on Tape

June 7, 2007

Los Angeles: Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a suspect who fatally attacked a mentally disabled man the night of May 29, 2007. Surveillance cameras captured the crime on tape.

On Tuesday, May 29, 2007, around 8:45 p.m., James McKinney, 41, of Los Angeles, was walking to a store from a board and care facility for the mentally challenged, where he resided. As he neared the corner of Wilton Place and Olympic Boulevard, a male assailant approached him from behind and violently struck the back of his head with an aluminum baseball bat. The suspect then fled on foot. McKinney, hemorrhaging, fell to the ground. An unidentified passerby called 9-1-1.

Mr. McKinney suffered massive head injuries. He was rush by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to Cedars Sinai Hospital, where he died on June 3rd.

Police describe the suspect as Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 175 pounds. He was bald and wore black shorts, a dark T-shirt and white tennis shoes.

"We hope that someone can identify the person who committed this horrific crime and will call police with information on his whereabouts," said LAPD spokesperson Officer April Harding.

No motive has been determined. Investigators are working on evidence and interviewing witnesses to solve this murder.

Videotape of the incident may be viewed by media outlets at Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilshire Homicide Detective John Shafia or Detective Mark Holguin at 213-473-0446. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).